Tehran (TDI): The United States and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday in what became the most serious test yet of a month-long ceasefire, though both sides later signalled they did not want the situation to escalate further.
Iran said the situation had since returned to normal, while the US maintained that it was not seeking a wider conflict. The renewed clashes erupted while Washington was awaiting Tehran’s response to a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict. However, the plan reportedly leaves major issues unresolved, particularly Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s military claimed that US forces targeted vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz and also struck locations inside Iranian territory. In response, the US said it carried out retaliatory strikes after coming under attack.
US President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire remained in place, downplaying the severity of the exchange. Speaking in Washington, he said both sides had “trifled” with each other but suggested the situation was still under control.
Iran, however, accused the US of violating the ceasefire by attacking an oil tanker and another vessel, as well as conducting airstrikes on civilian areas in regions near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces claimed they responded by targeting US naval vessels near the area, although US Central Command denied any American assets were hit.
The US military said Iran used missiles, drones, and small boats in the attack, reportedly targeting three American destroyers. It added that US forces responded by striking Iranian missile and drone positions. Officials stressed they were not seeking escalation but remained prepared to defend US forces.
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Iran’s military warned it would retaliate strongly against any further aggression. State media later reported that calm had returned to Iranian coastal areas and islands near the Strait of Hormuz after several hours of fighting.
According to US statements, Iran had also recently attempted to disrupt maritime traffic in the region, prompting American military action against Iranian boats, missiles, and drones earlier in the week.
Despite the clashes, Trump suggested that diplomatic talks were still ongoing and could lead to a deal. He said discussions with Iran were continuing and expressed confidence that Tehran was interested in reaching an agreement.
The US proposal reportedly aims to formally end the conflict but does not resolve key disputes, including Iran’s nuclear program and control over the strategic waterway that handles a significant portion of global oil shipments.
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Trump reiterated that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, claiming this position was included in the US proposal and had been acknowledged by Tehran, though no formal agreement has been signed.
He also commented on Pakistan’s role in another diplomatic effort, stating that Pakistani leadership had requested US restraint during negotiations, praising both the country’s civilian and military leadership.
